New Guide Highlights Ways To Honor Hometown Heroes

With Armed Services and Memorial Day around the corner, Fifth District Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske has created a guide containing specific information on how residents can honor our “Hometown Heroes” who are serving or have served in the military.

“The guide details a number of activities residents can do to remember the men and women who have served in uniform,” says Schipske, noting that the brochure contains both local and national volunteer contact information, Long Beach sites to visit, and several local programs that focus on those who are serving in, or who have died while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Volunteer opportunities are available at the Veterans Administration Medical Hospital, U.S Vets, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post 8615, and the American Gold Star Manor – all in Long Beach,” Schipske points out. “Volunteering contributes in a variety of ways by assisting veterans in their daily routines.”

The monthly “Home Front Theater” is being launched on May 18 at the El Dorado Senior Center with the showing of the WWII movie “Since You Went Away.” A 1930s – 1950s movie will be shown each month with light refreshments provided.

The guide describes Long Beach memorial sites that make for a special visit, such as the Long Beach Rosie the Riveter Park and Interpretive Center – only one of two places in the United States that honors the contributions made by six million women who worked on the home front during World War II. The park includes a walking path with historical timeline, interpretive signs, a cell phone guided tour and a military memorial. Other places to visit in Long Beach include: Vietnam Veterans Memorial, United States Navy Memorial Monument, Lone Sailor Memorial, Long Beach Municipal Cemetery and the Grey Ghost Wall of Heroes & The Immortal Chaplains Memorial Chapel and Sanctuary.

Details on the Long Beach Hometown Heroes Project is also included in the guide. As of 2012, thirteen men who had called Long Beach home, died while serving in the military in both Iraq and Afghanistan. To honor these men for their sacrifice, The Long Beach Rosie the Riveter Foundation and Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske established the Long Beach Hometown Heroes Banner Project (www.lbhometownheroes.com) and placed 13 memorial banners in the Rosie the Riveter Park & Interpretive Center. This project has been expanded to provide an opportunity for Long Beach residents to sponsor a banner, in order to honor and recognize their own family members currently serving in the military. Banners may be sponsored by individuals or organizations, and will be displayed for a minimum of six months before being given to the hero, or the hero’s family.

“ We are also encouraging residents to join us again in sending messages to our troops through A Million Thanks. org,” says Schipske, who coordinated an effort last year. “We invite individuals, schools, churches, businesses, and other organizations to write cards, letters, emails, and prayer messages to members of the military. Postcards can be picked up and dropped off at my neighborhood office.”

On the 4th of July, the public is invited to attend the First Annual Freedom Fest and Concert at Rosie the Riveter Park. A salute to the military and our veterans will begin at 5pm followed by a musical concert by The Emperors.

Download the How to Thank A Veteran Guide here, or pick one up at 5th District libraries or by visiting her neighborhood office at 2760 Studebaker Road, Long Beach, CA 90808.